[OKC] FW: Are we coing to let Seattle "steal our thunder" when it comes to chickens

[Shauna Lawyer Struby]

Bear with me. All will become clear.

 

We have a proposal in OKC to add  a zoning ordinance to allow backyard
chickens. Currently laying hens are not allowed at all. The change would
allow up to eight chickens (NOT ROOSTERS) and requires that they be provided
with a minimum amount of space (2 to 4 square feet per chicken, depending on
size of bird) in a clean and dry hen house, and that they be provided with a
fenced outdoor enclosure. When cared for in this way, chickens do not smell
bad. By limiting the number of chickens and describing the space in which
they can be kept, this proposed zoning addition ensures the happiness of the
chickens, their owners, and their neighbors.

 

Sara Braden who sent the email below is heading up the charge on this - see
her email below for her contact info. If you have any questions please
contact Sara directly - she's doing an amazing job on this and has all the
pertinent info. She's asked for help so I am sending this as an individual
asking all of those on these email lists who are OKC citizens to consider
helping with getting this ordinance added. Please help spread the word.

 

.         Permitting backyard hens would enhance Oklahoma City's reputation
as a go-to city when it comes to local food. Oklahoma City has thriving
farmers markets, an ever-expanding list of restaurants and caterers using
local foods and retail stores selling local foods, a Buy Fresh Buy Local
Central Oklahoma chapter, and the state's largest food coop - the always
amazing Oklahoma Food Cooperative was established here in OKC. Robust local
food systems are particularly important for a city that wants to position
itself as a leading 21st century city and a city hospitable to the "creative
class".  For example, in Texas, the cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston,
San Antonio, Laredo, and Round Rock all allow chickens. Tulsa allows
backyard chickens. The cities of Topeka, Kan., and Denver, Colo., also
permit their residents to keep chickens. Looking further away, even the
residents of New York City are allowed to keep chickens, as are the
residents of Boston, Chicago, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Baltimore and Los
Angeles. The former home of our OKC Thunder -- Seattle has allowed backyard
chickens since 1982! Are we going to let Seattle "steal our thunder" when it
comes to chickens? J

 

.         Chickens are quieter than dogs or even songbirds.

 

.         Chickens eat garden pests and their waste is an excellent
fertilizer for gardens and grass.

 

.         Oklahoma City ranked next to the last, 49 out of 50, in
SustainLane's 2008 sustainable assessment of cities. Allowing backyard hens
is one way to up that ranking. A city that allows its residents to keep
chickens demonstrates a sensible attitude while encouraging sustainability.

 

.         A family allowed to keep chickens can increase their
self-sufficiency and food security and decrease their grocery bill. 

*	Backyard chickens would help more people feed themselves regardless
of their income level and they are nutrient dense -- eggs are one of the
best sources of protein, are high in selenium, riboflavin, Vitamin B12 and
phosphorus. There are also nutrients in eggs beneficial in preventing
macular degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in the
elderly, and eggs are rich in choline, which is helpful in fetal brain
development. Choline levels in women drop during pregnancy, so it may be
beneficial for women to consume eggs during pregnancy. Oklahoma City has a
higher than average rate of poverty and the Regional Food Bank is reporting
record increases in need for their services. For low-income people
especially, this could be a huge help.

There is also a Facebook page - OKC Chickens :::
http://www.facebook.com/okcchickens ::: where you can invite friends to help
and stay up with what's happening and there is a letter in the Box tab you
can cut and paste if you'd like to send an email or snail mail letter.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration! 

Shauna, OKC

 

From: Sara Braden [mailto:srbraden at gmail.com] 
Sent: Saturday, May 08, 2010 10:47 AM
To: Amber Hausler; Anna Blessed; bedwards at regionalfoodbank.org;
BradenD at casady.org; charles bishop; Chris Gary; eliawoods at cox.net;
eliawoodsgarden at att.net; Emily Havens; hclarkhilliard at gmail.com; Helen
BRADEN; Julie Scheu; Kamalagamble at me.net; Kathy Sawyer; Kay Moore; lyla
burr; Martin Birnbaum; okc_chicken_movement at cox.net;
outreach at oklahomafood.coop; Patricia Velte; Shauna Struby; Sue and Tom Tarr;
Sue Moss Sullivan
Subject: Chicken Update

 

Big News!

 

We are one step closer to legalizing backyard chickens in Oklahoma City!
Here is an update on what is going on with this issue:

 

In November, City Council did a Peer Cities study to find out what the
chicken laws are in cities like OKC.  Seven out of our eight Peer Cities
allow chickens!

 

In March, City Council asked Neighborhood Alliance to conduct an on-line
survey to gauge OKC residents' opinions on whether chickens should be legal
in OKC.  Of the 1,174 respondents, 69% were in favor of legalizing chickens!

 

Obviously, after looking at the results of these two taxpayer-funded
studies, City Council should now vote to legalize backyard chickens in OKC,
right?  Not true.  Without your help, this issue is guaranteed to fail.  The
results of the two studies will be ignored, and this issue will not even
come to a vote.  

 

Here's how you can help:

 

Contact your City Council member and tell him or her that you support
legalizing chickens in OKC.  Call or email your City Council member
directly, or call the City Council main number (297-3884), and they will
forward you to your City Council member's office.  Please do this.  It only
takes a moment, and it will make a big difference.

 

Attend the City Council meeting on May 18, and please bring as many
like-minded citizens with you as possible.  The meeting will take place at
the City Council chambers, located at 200 N. Walker, at 8:30 am.  If you are
able to attend the meeting, please respect the following guidelines:  watch
for a reminder email on May 13 or 14, to confirm the date; and PLEASE be
polite, respectful, and calm at the City Council meeting.

 

With you help we can show City Council that this is not a silly fringe hippy
movement that they can ignore, but a real step towards sensible, sustainable
living in Oklahoma City.

 

Thank you.

 

 

Sara Braden

525-2693

  

 

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